26/04/2022
TASTY TUESDAY😍
Bacon & Pesto Mac ‘N’ Cheese🧀
How to make⬇️
1️⃣ Preheat the oven to 220°C/ 200°C (fan)/ gas 7
Boil a full kettle
Peel and finely chop (or grate) the garlic
2️⃣Add the macaroni to a pot of boiled water with a drizzle of olive oil and bring to the boil over a high heat
Cook the macaroni for 7-8 min or until cooked with a slight bite
Once done, drain the cooked macaroni and set aside until later
3️⃣Heat a large, wide-based pan (preferably non-stick) with 1 tbsp [2 tbsp] of vegetable oil over a medium heat
Once hot, add the chopped garlic and cook for 1-2 min until fragrant
Once fragrant, add 15g [30g] flour and stir with a wooden spoon for 1-2 min or until a sandy paste forms – this is your roux
4️⃣Gradually whisk 300ml [600ml] milk into the roux, a little at a time, and cook for 5-6 min or until a smooth, thick sauce remains – this is your béchamel sauce
5️⃣Meanwhile, grate the cheddar cheese
Combine 1/4 of the grated Italian hard cheese (save the rest for later!) with the panko breadcrumbs and a drizzle of olive oil in a bowl – these are your cheesy breadcrumbs
6️⃣Wash, then add the spinach and drained macaroni to the pan with the béchamel sauce
Stir through the pesto, grated cheddar and remaining grated Italian hard cheese
Season with a generous grind of black pepper and give everything a good mix up until the cheese has melted and the spinach has wilted
7️⃣Transfer the mixture to an oven-proof dish
Top with the cheesy breadcrumbs followed by the bacon and put the dish in the oven for 20-25 min or until golden and bubbling and the bacon is crisp – this is your bacon & pesto mac 'n' cheese
Tip: Put the dish on the top shelf of the oven to help crisp up the bacon!
Wash the rocket, then pat it dry with kitchen paper
Dress the rocket with the balsamic vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil
Serve your bacon & pesto mac 'n' cheese with a generous grind of black pepper and the dressed rocket to the side
Enjoy!🤤
SERVES 2
TOTAL TIME: 40 MINUTES
Calories - 715
Fat - 35g
Carbs - 72g
Protein - 32g
